Gravel Calculator
Calculate how much gravel, stone, sand, or fill you need. Get volume in cubic yards, weight in tons, bags needed, truck loads, and cost estimates for driveways, pathways, landscaping, and more.
Material Needed
Volume
2.47
cubic yards
Weight
3.33
tons
After Compaction (10% added)
Order 2.72 cu yd (3.67 tons)
Truck Loads
$133
Based on $40/ton for Crushed Stone #57
🚀 Quick Start - Project Presets
Select a common project type to quickly load dimensions and recommended material:
Units
Material Type
Project Areas
Add multiple sections to calculate irregular or multi-area projects. Total: 1 section(s)
Section 1
Pricing
Adjust based on local prices. Delivery typically adds $50-150.
Quick Answer
To calculate gravel: multiply area (length x width in feet) by depth in feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by 1.4 for tons (average gravel weight). Formula: (Length x Width x Depth) / 27 x 1.4 = Tons. For a 20x30 ft driveway with 4 inches of gravel: (20 x 30 x 0.33) / 27 x 1.4 = 10.3 tons. Gravel weighs approximately 2,800 lbs (1.4 tons) per cubic yard.
Key Facts
- Formula: Cubic Yards = (Length x Width x Depth in feet) / 27
- Average gravel: 1 cubic yard = ~2,800 lbs (1.4 tons)
- Driveway recommended depth: 4-6 inches (base + top layer)
- Walkways and patios: 2-3 inches depth
- Pea gravel weighs less: ~2,400 lbs per cubic yard
- Crushed stone weighs more: ~2,700-3,000 lbs per cubic yard
- 1 ton of gravel covers approximately 80-100 sq ft at 2" depth
- Add 10% extra for compaction and spreading loss
Frequently Asked Questions
Measure your area's length, width, and desired depth. For driveways, use 4-6 inches depth; for pathways, 2-3 inches; for drainage, 6-12 inches. Calculate cubic yards: (Length × Width × Depth in feet) / 27. Add 10-15% for compaction and waste.
Gravel typically weighs 2,800-3,000 lbs per cubic yard (about 1.4-1.5 tons). One cubic foot weighs 95-105 lbs depending on type. Pea gravel is lighter (~96 lbs/cu ft), while crushed stone is denser (~100 lbs/cu ft).
Driveways: 4-6 inches (minimum 4" for vehicle traffic). Walkways/patios: 2-3 inches. Decorative landscaping: 2-3 inches. French drains: 6-12 inches. Under pavers: 4-6 inch base. Always compact gravel in 2-inch layers.
Crushed stone: driveways, paths (angular, locks together). Pea gravel: landscaping, patios (smooth, decorative). River rock: drainage, xeriscaping. Limestone: base material. Choice depends on appearance, function, and traffic.
Bulk gravel costs $15-75 per cubic yard or $30-80 per ton, depending on type. Pea gravel: $30-40/ton. Crushed stone: $35-50/ton. Decorative stone: $50-150/ton. Delivery adds $50-100. Bagged gravel costs more ($4-6 per 50lb bag).
Break irregular areas into rectangles and triangles, calculate each separately, then add together. For curves, approximate with a circle or series of smaller shapes. Always round up and add 10-15% extra material.
Material Needed
Volume
2.47
cubic yards
Weight
3.33
tons
After Compaction (10% added)
Order 2.72 cu yd (3.67 tons)
Truck Loads
$133
Based on $40/ton for Crushed Stone #57